I've been watching your channel for many years now, and the reviews are, in my opinion, the most honest and experienced on social media. I've tried some awesome beers because of your reviews and also enjoyed the info generally about the industry so very educational as well. You achieve all this with a lot of humour and a down to earth approach, which I love. It's really good of you Simon to be honest and share this update. Your health has to come first. All the best moving forward and here's to a cracking 2024, cheers 🍻 🎉💯

I have drunk heavily most of my life. 46 now. I drank a lot from 18-25. Then quite a lot from 25-35. Then 35-40 Quite a lot (although a little less). Last five years I have really slowed down. I get terrific headaches nowadays and I find the beer just isn't worth it. I still have a bottle of beer now and again....or even two. But nowadays health is more important. Do what is best for you Simon. Everything in moderation is a good motto. I will say one thing. The less I drink the less I crave it. The less I think about it. Most importantly. When I think of doing something socially I don't connect beer to it anymore. It isn't the be all and end all. You don't need to have a pint when you go to the cinema. You don't need to get to Friday and think 'right let's start drinking'.....Beer should be drunk when you really want it , not for the sake of it.

People hate the fact people are successful & things have to change now & again. Do what you need to do. KZfaq is a job , you have to live your life BTS. All the best.

Health always comes first. Good luck. I will still follow you here.

Did you ever see the Adrian Chiles documentary 'Drinkers like me ' ? The book was even better, counting units was a shock to me and made me consider my habits....Recommended. Take it easy mate ....👍

Good to hear you’re feeling better Simon - please don’t risk your health for our entertainment - listen to your body and ease off when you need to - look after yourself dude ❤

Si firstly great to hear you're ok, everyone can have a break if they like so ignore any negativity. You have our support. Look after yourself mate.

I drank heavily for 37 years thinking i was having fun and enjoying myself I'm now 50 and teetotal. Alcohol is a poison and will take its toll on health. I'm glad to hear you're feeling much better.

I got liver disease a few years ago from drinking and I was in a lot of pain, all my skin peeled off, eyes and skin went yellow. Luckily no permanent damage was done but I had to have 5 months off ale and it really gave me a good reset and I couldn't imagine drinking every day now, scares me to death. You look healthier than you have in last 2 or 3 years.

Breaks my heart mate you’re probably one of the most genuine people on KZfaq,your positive energy helps me get through the week,nothing better than getting in after a bad day and watching real ale craft beer with a nice cold pint,im enjoying all the content you upload,wishing you all the best with your health Simon.

We love you, Simon. Fan from USA. Best of health to you and the ones you love.

Drinking without taking a break can lead to disease and often times death. I'm really glad you're doing okay Simon. Been a fan for years. Take care of yourself!

I'm glad you're okay, man. We're not in our 20's anymore! Gotta take it easy. I'm glad I've never been a daily drinker. I normally stick to 3-5 drinks twice a week, usually on the weekends. Did dry January too just to check myself and have a bit of a reset. Breaks are good. They keep you accountable. Cheers.

Been watching you're vids for many years now Simon. Glad to hear you're on the mend! My brother is off the beer a year back in November. One night he was complaining of bad pains in his stomach and chest so he done the right thing and phoned an ambulance. Basically, the doctors told him his liver was packing in and he was dangerously low in magnesium and potassium, a form of Malnutrition. Thankfully over a year later he's made a full recovery, and after 30 years of heavy drinking he said he doesn't really miss it. Zero zeros now, new life. I was watching a programme about a liver experts convention, and they came to the conclusion that not drinking for 3 full days in a row, is really beneficial to it's healing powers. Remarkable organ. So for 3 full days a week I don't drink. Hard, but I'd rather that than none at all.

I had some personal problems last year and needed a clear mind to help myself get back on track, still on a break from the booze, all my mates have been great, you've gotta do whats best for you simon , all the best and keep up the good work.

Simon for what it's worth. I started watching you at 17 years of age. Now I am 24. I started with fitness and weightlifting at 20, therefore drinking way less. My interest shifted and I wasn't keen on beer anymore as much as I used to be. But you know what? Your food reviews were suddenly very interesting to me. I loved every noodle review and idk why but your reviews just made me smile. I was always worried about your health since I couldn't think about drinking so much. But you seem to had no problem with it. Long story short you have 70k subscribers, this is enough to fill a stadion of people. Obviously there will always be idiots blaming you because they are uncontent with who they are. But I like you for the way you review, honest, a bit messy, funny but authentic af. So thank you for that and please do what's best for you. Kind regards. Im glad you're okay And btw I am on a mission to find the best non alcoholic beer so please enlighten me

Glad you are keeping well. We have to listen to our bodies. Social media is a cesspit for negativity. Take care

Simon If you do a beer review every other day your followers won't go because the quality and your knowledge of what you're talking about is regarded as one of the best beer reviewers on the tube!

I’m glad you’ve had a rest Simon. You look better for it.

Proud of you Simon. Ive watched for about 7 years maybe 8, and have commented so many times that your drinking too much too often. Surely theres a way you could run your channel but maybe only drink beer 3-4 times per week. 3 days break per week is 156 days per year. Equivalent of 5 months. Over the long term that time off is going to hopefully keep you in better health. I know someone who is only 40, he literally just had a liver transplant. The pain and problems hes gone through over the last 12 months even leading up to this point is unreal. Hes not out of the woods yet either, still may need another operation to open up a vessel or something thats not working. The emotional toll is there too, not just on him, but his wife, children and family. Take care of your health. Prioritise it over the channel no matter how much you love drinking beer.

Keep your chin up Si! I've recently had to cut back from 3 1/2 liters of scotch whiskey a week to 1 3/4 liters. It's good sometimes to ease off. We're all rooting for you.

I watched the Guinness zero vid yesterday and was immediately struck by how you looked slimmer and less red in the face. Now I can see why. As for the overactive bladder, are you sure you don't have a wheat or other beer-related intolerance? The beer plays havoc with mine. I Just drank cider for about 4 years, and keep any wheat intake to a minimum. Am far better now. Take care.

Si your health is far more important than entertaining us! That must come first, don't feel pressured. Like you say you have a large back catalogue which I have been making use of (You have liked some of my comments on these) I suggest people check these out they are great! I intend to work my way through all of them. Ignore the negatives I'd like to see them try to do this. Your health comes first.

I’ve watched your channel for years Simon. This was such an honest video and I massively respect you for putting it out there. It takes a lot of courage to do that fair play.

Health comes first glad you're okay

So glad you're going to continue the channel Simon - this is essential viewing for lovers of beer worldwide. But also glad that you are sensible enough to know when your body needs a break!! Always listen to your body and you won't go too far wrong. Best wishes for the future.

Get well soon Simon. I personally quit drinking last June and feel way better for it. I'm not saying I'll never touch the stuff again but going without for a long time does you the world of good. Regular drinking certainly doesn't.

Hi mate, your health is more important than your content. I’ve benefited loads over the years watching your beer reviews, so many thanks for that. For me, you don’t need to upload daily beer reviews - just add in more food or other things to space it all out.

Never mind if people are moaning about a lack of beer reviews. Health is everything Simon. Look on the channel and you will find loads of reviews. Keep up the good work and stay healthy!!

Pleased to hear your ok after what sounds like a rock and roll couple of years. Props for the upfront and honest way you talked about your health and life, some including myself would find that hard to do 👍 This is a calling from the man upstairs saying “slow down abit brother” you’ve got plenty of life left 😀

Happy to hear you are well and in the best spirits. I'm looking forward to your future reviews. I hope you will continue to take care of yourself and don't hesitate to pace yourself if you need to. Nothing is more important than your health. It's great to have you back reviewing beers. Wishing you good health and continued success in 2024 and for many more years to come.

You're not old Simon, but as you get older you really do need to do more things to look after your health, I know this from experience (I'm 58 BTW). I have had to reduce my alcohol intake and also change my diet to ensure my health is maintained and these changes are lifelong. Best wishes, I hope you keep happy and well going forwards

Bro , we are really sorry to hear this news regarding you health issues and we wish you the very best. Without your inspiration and guidance NONE of us would be doing this youtube thing.

Hey mate - if it means anything, i just like seeing you talk about stuff. The fact that we both like beer is just an added bonus! You hit the nail on the head - sometimes in life it's tough to stay positive and keep a healthy outlook; but you make it a lot easier! Wouldn't care if you never did another beer review again and we drank pineapple juice at the Stoned Crow - you'll always have my support.

You always come first! You don't owe anyone anything. Enjoy the beer when you feel like it, and the rest can deal with it :)

I’m glad your doing well Simon keep up the hard work .

I haven't watched you for a bit Simon but hope you are doing fine and return to a fully fit and healthy chap ...

Thanks for sharing this mate and for your honesty. Glad to hear you’re feeling better for taking a break. Keep up the good work and hopefully see you at Beer X…?

I'm only 1 minute in to the video, and I just want to say, this is one of my favourite channels, ever since I found you about 10 years ago. The amount of beers I've tried, and I have loved because of this channel has been a brilliant journey. Keep up the great work Simon, we all love and appreciate you.😎

Glad to hear you're ok Simon. You entertain us on a daily basis and I can only applaud you for the joy you bring to us the viewers who watch and enjoy your channel. Sorry to hear you've not been well behind the scenes mate. Take care and thank you.

Fair play to you simon for revealing your problems on here, it takes guts to tell the truth about your health, i have been following you for ages and enjoy all your videos. Health comes before anything else. Just be careful its so easy to fall back to what you were doing, take it easy and pace yourself. I wish you all the best for the coming year.carl/ silver gardens brewery.

Glad you looked after yourself Si. Keep doing so, and we'll enjoy the channel in 2024

100% look after yourself! My thoughts would be going forward you need to ease off or dare I say stop the social drinking. That way your body gets a break from the alcohol. All the best.

Hey Simon, glad you are ok. I’ve quite enjoyed your zero reviews, ignore any negativity. We still love you and all of your content 👍

I gave up booze last August. 🙏🏼

I'm on tamsulosin due to an enlarged prostate mate do your thing and don't take negative comments to heart.... What you do is brilliant

You take care and get well soon .. Your health is far more important. Great to see you back. 👍

Glad to see it's not been too serious. As I've gotten older I've had to schedule more and more non-drinking days into my calendar. To the extent that I now block about 50% of my xmas holidays out that way. Maybe you should make Dry January a feature of the channel going forward - I think it would be very useful for those also doing it. Especially the 0% stuff

That's a long stretch of "drinking every day" so yeah you need to insert some gaps. I'm into my 50s now I've always pretty much skipped drinking during the week completely and saved it for the weekends. If I go 3-4 days drinking my sides start to ache and it's time for a break...

Take your health as the most important thing Simon! Beer is the best and so is this community, but your health is much more important and your family. If you changed the channel to just food reviews or anything else, youre true fans will be cheering you on! Also we can still meet as a community at the virtual pub but have a cup of tea or coffee instead :)

Great to hear your OK. I,ve tried so many beers because of your opinion of them. We have all been there with the sore kidney thing. All the best.

Glad your doing ok Simon , Ive had to stop drinking beer or wine or prosecco etc As have my GERD playing up again dull pain in Pancreas and Stomach area and dark coloured number 2s so i thought yeah sod that i will not drink beer again except on special occasions , I think when your in your late teens and 20a you can get away with it but as we get older near the big 40 then it takes a lot longer for the body to recover from the after effects , Anyway onwards and upwards look forward to your new reviews and take it easy my friend 😀

Just like any job you need to take breaks and you need to listen to your body. Wishing you much strength and happiness in 2024!

Don’t worry about what anybody says about you not doing as much beer reviews, your health and being there for your family comes first

Sometimes we all need a 'wake up call' to make us stop and reflect. Thank you for being honest because it might well help others. I personally worried that your body was going to crash. You can't drink the amount you were indefinitely without repercussions. This break was much needed. Yes, you enjoy beer and you enjoy your channel, but you HAVE to put your health first and you need to be around for your kids. Make those 2 things your priority and enjoy the beer secondary to that.. Good luck to you Simon and good health for 2024 and many years to come

This is the 1st year I've done dty January. It won't be the last. That month off the beer is well worth it for the feeling of being healthier.

Life is about balance. Now even more as we get older. Been around your channel for quite some time and Im glad to see you're ok. Just take care of yourself. Don't think too much of letting people down. At the end of the day is you and your family that counts. Enjoy life.

That's a very open and honest personal story well done for that. Glad to hear you are on the mend and looking forward to more good stuff in the future! 😊👍🇬🇧

Nice and honest bud. Nice listening to you and I’m sure , like me , many people out there could take a leaf out of your book. Take care .

Nothing is wprth compromising your health for. Get more balance in your life if youre going to keep drinking. Take it easy!

Good on you Simon, we all need a reset now and again…..respect for coming out with this update, a lot of us can relate to what you’re going through. All the best Simon and see you Friday 🍻

Glad you are well Simon❤️ Why not let us know earlier Simon? You have to take a brake now and then. It is not good for your health, drinking alcohol every day, every week 🫣 In Norway we call the alcohol free day, white days☺️👍 All the best to you and yours Simon❤️

Simon so glad you're ok me old china. My advice; just do what you can when you can. We'll still be here.

Wishing you well Simon 👍

As Morgan Freeman said: "Never take criticism from people you would not go to for advice." Some people just live to criticize others, very sad, and especially highly successful people. You are highly successful, the best reviews, loved on a global basis. Our health is a measure of how connected we are to nature. Outdoor walks are great, and if nature didn't make it, generally, we shouldn't eat it. Take care of yourself and know that we are all with you. Peace be with you friend.

Thanks for such an honest and genuine video, two years non-stop? Wow, I’m not surprised you needed a break and I’m glad you did. Do what’s best for you, like you say there’s thousands of videos on the channel so lots to keep people entertained. Wishing you the best with everything and take care!

Just wanted to say that I have loved watching your videos for a while now. It sounds pathetic but I actually get quite excited when I search one of the beers I’ve bought from a bottle shop and find a review of yours for it. I had my in-laws over last weekend and it was so nice to just hide in the kitchen with a couple of beers watching some of your reviews. To reiterate many others, health is your priority. To also second others, so many beers that I search, you have completed old reviews on and therefore there just isn’t the need for them on a daily basis necessarily. I think it’s fair to say you have a few in the bag! I have done dry Jan a couple of times and it does undoubtedly make you feel amazing. Thank you for all the fun you have given to my drinking at home and can’t make the pub and for also teaching me so much about the world of beer. Take care man…

Good to see you're ok Si. Yeah we need to take a break as we get older. I stopped for 4 months before xmas. Don't drink every day just weekends. Looking forward to new vids, take it easy mate.

Simon, you are looking so much better ! I bet it was those shots that tipped you over the edge 😂😂 Seriously, save your alcohol units for beer and do have some breaks to look after yourself. You’ll probably find that you enjoy your beer even more !

You could easily test 10 beers a day. Just don't drink the whole bottle or can. Throw the rest out. Might seem like a waste but like you said this is your job.

I’ve had times in the past where it got a bit hardcore (for me which isn’t that much). It does need a bit of self discipline to kick in to pull back. Great to hear you did that and looking after your health as priority No.1. We don’t want to lose our No.1 reviewer

Glad your ok Simon 😊Health and Strength are far more important than alcohol,its always beneficial to take a break from drinking beer.

I only discovered the channel last year but love it. If you need the occasional break in the future. I'll still be here when you come back.

All the best for 2024! May I recommend a trip to Southampton when you are on your travels. There are now 4 independent craft beer within a stones throw (crow?) of eachother in Bedford place. A good beer scene establishing

Well done Simon for being so honest and frank. A cautionary tale and so pleased you have come out the other side. Drop me a line when you come to Hereford and I will show you the Barrels - best real ale Pub for miles.😃😁👍🍻🍻🍻🍺

Glad you're OK. On the day you recorded that I was told by the doctor that I have a vagina and he says I might also need a hearing aid. 😆 So next week I have to go for further blood tests and an ECG. I also have diabetes, but that's been going on a few years now and last year I had to go on tablets. Here's the lesson, everything in moderation. Beers contain a lot of sugar so for you, I wouldn't do any more of those multiple beer comparisons like the one where you did 10 lagers. A couple maybe and don't drink them all after. Take greater care of your body from now on because it takes its toll in later life, as I am now finding out. Good luck to you.

Hey man! I know it took a lot for you to make the video and I appreciate you being transparent on your health. Take care of yourself because your health is most important. I’ve been not drinking a little bit over 30 days. Not really trying to do dry January it just happened. Think about your family and it’s important for you to be in their lives so, again take care of yourself because you only have one life to live. God bless my friend!!!

Thanks for the vid Simon. You have prompted me to have a break from daily drinking from today. I am going to have a couple of weeks off starting now😊 Going forward, maybe try 2 weeks beer reviews then 2 weeks food to let your body rest. We would all still be here watching😊

I’m with you Simon, I hope that you’ll be coming back stronger. 💪💪💪 Can’t wait for your next reviews to come out on the channel

Health before wealth, always Simon. I quite like the balance of food and beer reviews to be honest, keep up the good work and look after yourself buddy ❤

Hey buddy you dont have to drink all those beers i just enjoy watching your videos you have a good positive energy that tends to make me feel better on a bad day..

Glad to hear you’re ok Simon, sounds like a heavy Xmas. Here’s an idea, when the weather warms up put up a video and say you’ll be at a certain pub in say a weeks time, meet some subscribers who’d come along, on the proviso they don’t mind being filmed, and film like a meet and greet with some loyal fans, oh and get them to buy the beer 😊

Hi Simon, always enjoyed the content,i had a stroke 3 years ago and gave up booze for six months,used to drink 4 bottles of wine a week, i started drinking pints of real ale ,but no stronger than 3.6 abv as i love Okellls Bitter when visiting the Isle of Man, which it is. I can go to Wetherspoons 3 or 4 times a week and have 2 or 3. Keeps me healthy i think Scaling the booze back still allows me to enjoy it. The Beers and wines are stronger than years ago,and thats a problem.

Mate we all know our own limit and know when a change is needed so proud of you for being open and honest about your journey. Keep it up

Thanks for your honestly, Simon, your health comes first; nothing wrong with taking some time out to rest and get back your mojo. Been following the channel for years and will carry on doing so because they’re awesome. Probably a good idea to take regular breaks off the booze: it’s bloody lovely stuff but like all things…..moderation.👍

And here’s me that drinks maybe 7-8 pints once a week on a Saturday thinking I’ve got a problem, appreciate your honesty mate but that’s insane, I wish you the best in the future

Glad to hear that you are all good 😊. Sometimes we all need a rest, you do a wonderful job and provide great content, onwards and upwards 😊

Hey Simon, First of all- I'm glad you're okay! I'll always watch your videos to support Real Ale Craft Beer, no matter which direction it goes. At this point, we've gotten to know you and enjoy your personality, no matter what the topic. Your videos have been incredibly insightful, and I feel like (as an American) I have a good grasp of British and European craft beer for the times I've flown across the pond- all thanks to you. I only wish that I could send you more beer and more often. Thanks for the update, and cheers!

Good to see you’re well Simon. One thing I would say, is take this as a gentle warning. I know you enjoy what you’re doing, but maybe just adjust things slightly so your health doesn’t suffer. You’ve said how great you feel after a month off, then you say it’s going back to normal? Take it easy 🍺

I'd be happy to see 5 days of beer and 2 days of food if 2 days is enough of a break from beer. I find it difficult to drink 7 days a week now (I'm 40) I imagine just a few beers for the reviews is tiring. I'm glad to hear it's not so serious you have to give up completely. I'll keep supporting the channel if it's half beer half food!

Glad to see you looking well I must say Simon. Positive and happy as always. I reached 10.000 unique beers on the old Untappd on New Years eve finally (2023 was my lowest beer year in a decade) and haven’t had a beer or anything alcoholic in, well, a month now. Wishing you a tremendeous 2024 our Simon. Cheers from Morten.

I've always liked your beer reviews Simon sometimes you do need a break you do what you need to do and try to ignore all the negative comments 👍👍

Stay healthy Simon. I don't watch many channels like yours, far from my usual genre but I really enjoy your videos and have done for many years. Put yourself first and the many thousands of people who genuinely enjoy your videos will still be here.

Hey Simon, glad to hear you're taking care of yourself and doing well. I've missed the (real) beer reviews, but you made the non-alcohol reviews interesting and I really enjoy your content. Keep doing what you do, you're great! Cheers! 🍻

I’m relatively new to this channel, been watching for around 2 years. I watch the current videos but I’m trying to watch from the beginning as well. Love this channel and this guy! Wish I’d found it earlier. I wondered about the health effects of drinking this much beer. Praying for Simon!

All the best Simon, a break is always a good thing. Cheers!

New to the channel and really enjoy your enthusiasm about beer but was worried when I seem this video.Glad to hear its not really bad but definitely look after yourself.

You look great after a month off the beer- maybe you should do two months every year? Dry Jan and sober October. People will still come to see the food reviews!

Dave from the US here. I've enjoyed your reviews for years and you always made them fun and uplifting. Please take care of yourself first and foremost. Finding out that you can't do your videos would be a huge loss to everyone that enjoys craft beer. Your great attitude and optimistic attitude are always a great escape from the daily grind. Cheers and good health to you

Glad you're doing ok. I personally like your food reviews, so I'm fine seeing more of those if that's what you need to post to save your health. Do what you need to do.